competence / authority
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competence
The ability, knowledge, and skills needed to handle a particular task or requirement well.
Für diese Position sind sowohl fachliche als auch soziale Kompetenz erforderlich.
Both professional and social competence are required for this position.
authority
The official authority or responsibility to decide or judge something.
Die Entscheidung über den Bauantrag fällt in die Kompetenz des Stadtrats.
The decision about the building application falls within the authority of the city council.
The noun 'die Kompetenz' belongs to the word family of the adjective 'kompetent' (competent). A person who has a particular competence is described as competent.
Er ist ein sehr kompetenter Berater in Finanzfragen.
He is a very competent adviser on financial matters.
The meaning 'Fähigkeit' (ability) is often recognized by adjectives such as 'sozial' (social), 'fachlich' (professional), or 'sprachlich' (linguistic). The meaning 'Zuständigkeit' (responsibility/authority) is usually found in formal, legal, or political contexts, often with the preposition 'in'.
Für den Job ist interkulturelle Kompetenz sehr wichtig.
Intercultural competence is very important for the job.
When it is about abilities, people often speak of 'sozialer Kompetenz' (social competence), 'fachlicher Kompetenz' (professional competence), or 'digitaler Kompetenz' (digital competence). Typical verbs are 'Kompetenzen erwerben' (to acquire competencies) or 'Kompetenz zeigen' (to show competence).
In der Weiterbildung konnte sie viele neue Kompetenzen erwerben.
In the continuing education course, she was able to acquire many new competencies.
In the meaning 'Zuständigkeit' (responsibility/authority), the fixed expression 'in die Kompetenz von jemandem/etwas fallen' (to fall within someone's/something's authority) is often used. It means that someone or an institution is responsible for it.
Der Schutz der Umwelt fällt in die Kompetenz des Umweltministeriums.
The protection of the environment falls within the authority of the Ministry of the Environment.
ability
Fähigkeit and Kompetenz can both express that someone is able to handle a task. Fähigkeit refers more generally to an ability, while Kompetenz usually also emphasizes relevant knowledge and skills. Use Fähigkeit for the ability itself, and Kompetenz especially for an overall performance based on professional knowledge.
Seine Kompetenz im Projektmanagement beruht auf viel Wissen und praktischer Erfahrung.
His competence in project management is based on extensive knowledge and practical experience.
Ihre Fähigkeit, schwierige Texte schnell zu verstehen, hilft ihr im Studium.
Her ability to understand difficult texts quickly helps her in her studies.
